College’s brightest stars celebrated at glitzy further education awards ceremony

Date published: 28 June 2022

The brightest stars of the borough have been celebrated in style at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre's Further Education Awards 2022. 

The glitzy event – which sees students from across all subject areas recognised in categories such as ‘Best Progess’ and ‘Best Achievement’ – took place at the Middleton Arena on Thursday (23 June).

Both learners and their guests packed out the venue for the glamorous ceremony that was presented by the Chair of the Corporation, Nazir Afzal OBE. 

The biggest award of the night – the prestigious ‘Gold Student Star Award’ – went to Performing Arts learner Kimberley Mlalazi. 

The 18-year-old was commended for maintaining 100% attendance and being accepted to all her first choice universities as she continues to pursue her passion for acting. 

Presenting Kimberley with a star-shaped trophy, Mr Afzal highlighted how she’d overcome adversity to take the top prize.  

He said: “You really can’t help but admire her dedication and determination.” 

“Kimberley is a great lesson to us all to keep following your dreams and to never let anything stand in your way.” 

The full list of winners is as follows:

• Gold Student Star Award – Performing Arts student Kimberley Mlalazi
• Silver Student Star Award – Graphic Design student Harry Clegg
• Bronze Student Star Award – Access to Higher Education student Melissa Service 
   
• Student Award for Sustainability – Animal Care student Billy Cooper 
• Staff Award for Sustainability – Animal Centre Coordinator Johnpaul Houston 
   
• Inclusivity Award – Sport student Charlie Jackson Turner 
• Outstanding Work Placement Award – T-Levels student Matthew Pendlebury 
• College Apprentice of the Year Award – IT Apprentice Adam Shepherdson 
   
• Students’ Staff Member of the Year Award – Progress Tutor Louise Sheldrake 
• Staff Star of the Year Award – Hair and Beauty tutor Clare Thompson 
• Staff Team of the Year – Cleaning Team 

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “We were delighted to celebrate those students who have shone brightest from within an entire sea of stars at Hopwood Hall. 

“Our college community is simply brimming with talent, so all the winners should feel incredibly proud to have stood out from their peers. 

“I look forward to seeing those who are returning to our University Centre in September, while I know others have been accepted to other fantastic universities or have already landed the jobs they’ve been working so hard for. 

“Whatever their destinations, I’ve no doubt that they’re going to go on to find so much success in the next stages of their lives.”

The Further Education Awards were attended by students, parents and staff, as well as a number of the college’s employer partners who had sponsored and supported the awards.